Everything 80s

It's almost Valentine's Day and I thought we'd take a look back on the movie that created the modern rom-com: When Harry Met Sally.

It's not that rom-coms didn't exist before, but this film perfected the format. It was also a monster hit and caught movie studios completely off guard with how lucrative this genre could be. This is a look back on the plot of the movie, how it came together, its lasting influence, and a bunch of amazing behind-the-scenes facts.

So enjoy this look back on a genre-defining classic, and I'll have what she's having...

If you're interested in supporting this show for as little as a few bucks a month--and getting free audio rewards--please check out Patreon.com/80s

Show Notes: When Harry Met Sally

Space Camp is a movie from 1986 about kids visiting NASA who accidentally get launched into space on the Space Shuttle, and have to figure out how to stay alive. It was released on June 6th, 1986, and if you know your history, you know what happened just four months earlier.

20th Century Fox now had the nightmare of trying to market a movie about kids having to stay alive onboard a Space Shuttle just months after a national tragedy. This is a look back on a movie that should have been a huge hit but inadvertently had the worst timing in movie history.

Show Notes: Space Camp

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The 1980s gave us more than just crimped hair and legwarmers; it was a decade of amazing technological innovations. This is a look back on ten of those inventions that you may not realize come from this decade. It includes medical innovations, space exploration, beloved food items, and a change in how we would forever investigate crimes.

Show Notes: 10 Inventions From the 80s

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This is a look back at what was a very underrated year in the 80s: 1983. In this episode, we look at all the big pop culture moments that made up the year including the movies, cartoons, music, and TV shows. 1983 may actually be one of the biggest years ever when it comes to TV.

We also look at the technology, sporting moments, and the Great Video Game Crash that defined what was a pretty amazing year.

Show Notes: 1983

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Welcome to my look back at the best of the 80s in 2021! This episode is made up of three parts: The first is a look back at three 80s-related movies that came out during 2021. The next is a look back at some of the most interesting podcasts and topics of the year.

And the last part is where I share stats of the podcast shared to me by Spotify. It's a look at where everybody is listening from, the top ten countries that listen to the show, most listened to episodes of the year (and the worst one), and a quick snapshot of who the average listener is.

I hope you enjoy this look back as much as I did!

if you are interested in supporting the podcast, you can check out Patreon.com/80s. Supporting the show also gives you access to extra audio content including the Everything 80s Movie Club.

I have watched every Rankin/Bass Christmas special and there are A LOT more than you may realize. Today, I'm reviewing and ranking all of them. This list includes some obvious beloved favorites, a few misses, and some that will leave you scratching your head.

Rankin/Bass has become an integral part of the holidays and their storytelling and creativity have entertained us for nearly 60 years. I hope you enjoy this look back on some favorites and some that may be brand new to you.

Show notes: Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials

If you're in a position to support the show, you can check out Patreon.com where for a few bucks a month you not only support independent podcasts like this but also get access to audio rewards such as the Everything 80s Movie Review Club.

For this week's rewind, I want to take a look back at my movie review of Ghostbusters. Thanks to Ghostbusters Afterlife, Ghostbusters has been made great again, and there is a lot of hope for the future of this franchise. This episode was recorded before it came out, so it's an interesting look back on the movie that started it all and how it grew into one of the most beloved films of the 80s, and all time. 

Ghostbusters Artbook on Amazon

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Welcome to my annual Christmas special! I'm wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater I could find, have the fireplace channel "roaring" in the background, and am drinking some type of nog. For the Christmas special, I wanted to look at the movies and TV shows that captured Christmas for us in the 1980s.

First, we will look at 4 films that actually are Christmas movies (you know where this is going...) And then look at 5, forgotten—and underappreciated—TV Christmas specials that came out during the decade.

So put on your best Christmas PJs and curl up by the phone for a warm and toasty 1980s Christmas.

Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s

This is something I'm hoping to make a yearly tradition, and it's a look back on my episode about the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. As bad as this thing is, it has somehow become a staple of my holiday viewing. And since I recorded it, there have been a few current references to the special—that I added to the episode—proving it's not going away anytime soon.

I hope you enjoy this look back at this absolute train wreck that ended up being one of the worst things ever shown on TV when it aired during the holiday season of 1978. Happy Life Day!

Show Notes: The Star Wars Holiday Special

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Yes, I stand by that statement. If this special had run every year like Rudolph or Frosty, I believe it would be considered a holiday classic that everyone watches each year. The problem is, it only aired two times, then was relegated to home video never to be seen again.

But this is a shame. In this episode, I want to share 6 reasons why this is the perfect Christmas special. It's also unique as it's the only time the Muppets, Sesame Street, The Muppet Babies, and Fraggle Rock all appear in the same show. And it's the last appearance Jim Henson would make with the Muppets.

Show Notes: A Muppet Family Christmas

Support the Show: Patreon.com/80s